Buhler's Day Off

I'm sorry for the sad letter last week! This week was great! I am now serving with Elder Buhler, and yes the movie is based off of his father. Crazy right? Well, he and I get along quite well. He's been out about 10 months now and is loving the mish! He is from Portland Oregon area. We have seen some great miracles this week! A recent convert who I helped baptize my first transfer here who went less active almost immediately, has committed to read the Book of Mormon with us. He admitted to me that the previous missionaries that were here before me pressured him into baptism. We are beginning the journey of conversion! Jonathan is a good kid, just very rebellious. He doesn't have a father figure in his life. In fact his father has been just the opposite of a hero. His parents have attempted to kill him when he was younger, he was blamed for their poor circumstances. He has major trust issues. I realized this more fully this weekend while remembering my own hero! My father. I know he can change is he allows his Heavenly Father back into his life. He has pushed all good influences out of his life! The second miracle is an investigator who has been in CA since my first transfer here is back and willing to meet again! He even gave a Book of Mormon to his cousin while in CA. Well, I love you all so very much! Thank you for all you do! Y'all have kept me going! Stay out of trouble!

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Hard to not think of Home

Well..................... This is awkward. I didn't think it would be weird. But I kind of feel........ weird. I don't know. I'm not gonna lie, this weekend was hard. But I knew what needed to be done so I dragged my companion behind me. He wasn't too happy with how hard I wanted to work this weekend. I think he finally understood when he caught me staring at my picture of the Oakland Temple. I was able to keep my mind off home by working, it's really the only cure for me. I was able to go help a Baptist preacher cut down a behemoth of a tree! It's massive. I didn't get any pictures because it was supposed to rain, but never did. We then biked more than I ever had in one day. I think that's what Elder McGlothlin didn't appreciate. We have ended our drought of no lessons. We found and taught a 17 year old kid named Tyler who is amazing! We taught him with Bro. Lusk and it went great! We taught the restoration and after we relayed the story of Joseph Smith his mother walked in. He asked her if she had ever heard the story of Joseph, she began to tell the story of Joseph in Egypt. He stopped her and said "NO not that one!" He then told the story of Joseph Smith in great detail! It was a beautiful moment! Never have I taught someone who comprehended and listened as intently as he did! He had questions that had been troubling his soul, that his preacher mother couldn't answer, that we answered from the Book of Mormon. He committed to reading and praying, and before we left he prayed very sincerely to know of the truth. It was a tender moment. Well, transfers are happening Wednesday. I have survived another one. I will be staying here. My companion is going to my first area, Ada. He's not too happy. I will be serving with Elder Bueller. The rumor is that the movie Ferris Bueller's day off is based on his father. We shall see. So since I have been doing a lot of biking, I think it's time fore a bike tune-up. Do you think I have enough money to pay for one? I believe it's about $50-$60 Unless there is a problem found, which there will be. My bike wont let me go to my highest gear. So I don't know the cost of that. Will you please make sure I have enough to pay for this? Thanks you're the bestest! Well, I love you all so very much! Thanks you for the prayers! I hope the family can relax a little now that all the "festivities" are over. Yes I did get the packages, I appreciate them soooo much!

Here's a picture of my district. (minus the zone leaders)

 

Need your Prayers!

Sounds like you had a full week! I wish I could say the same! The drought continues, but we are working harder than ever! We had an opportunity to have interviews with President and we received some great counsel! We were instructed to work more with the youth. It took me by surprise because, President knows our youth and knows they have no desire to work along side us. Obviously that's why we need to work with them! It was a "duh" moment for me! Also President told me that in the next 2 transfers we will be getting 6 new Zone Leaders, y'all should pray I don't become one. I don't want to leave this area! This is like home to me! I feel I a am able to do so much work here, I feel like my work isn't completed! But the Lord's ways are higher than my ways, the Lord's thoughts are higher than mine! So speaking of a package, Do I have permission to purchase a new camera, or would you send one out in the package? I am in need of one. I don't want to add anything to your list, so if you give me the go ahead I can do it out here. Well, I'm having the time of my life! I love the work! I love being dead-tired everyday! It's killing me, but it is reinforcing my knowledge that I'm not wasting a second of the Lord's time! It's been raining this past week, and I have a new found love! Drenched-Tracting! The rain has been warm, and we just go out and get soaked and talk to anyone and everyone! And we smile while we do it, because we know the Gospel is true! I love you all! Thank you for the prayers! Y'all are in mine as well!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Dry Spell

Holy Cow! Y'all have had quite the weekend. Sounds like y'all are having fun being with family. A disco party? I didn't see that one coming. That reminds me of the time uncle John let me try on those crazy pants a while back. Do you remember that? I think there was a picture of it on your phone. Anyway, well I would be lying if I said this week was outstanding. We have had quite a few struggles. We have seen miracles all around, but we are in a drought. We haven't been able to teach a lesson all week, except for dinner messages at members homes. I think I have come to realize one of the many roles I am to play in this ministerial experience. It seems all of my companions have told me that up until they served with me, they have seen loads and loads of success and baptisms. At first that was a hard thing to swallow. At the surface I started to question my abilities and my worthiness. Which neither is healthy to do. I then realized I was still happy and felt good about the work I was doing. I focused too much on the negative, I completely missed the positive. Along with this message there was a little comment that was expressed from each of my companions; "how do you do it?" It makes me smile and laugh now. How do I do it? Well I don't! It is not me at all! If I did it, I would be the one saying "Why don't I see as much success as the next missionary?" But I don't care what the "next" missionary has under his belt. All I care about is what the Lord sees fit for me to accomplish in the part of the vineyard he has allotted to me. Some do major remodeling in that vineyard, some do trimming and weeding. Some get to harvest the "fruits of labors" I believe I have the opportunity to help those I work with to understand it doesn't matter the title of the "labor" we perform, whether it's harvesting or pruning, what matters is that we put our heart and soul into the work. If I do all I can to labor in the field I have been assigned, then I can expect the Lord to pour out those blessings where needed. I was able to train on D.I.R.T this week. The Anti-Nephi-Lehi's buried their weapons of war, we need to bury our fears. Putting the weapons/fears in the hole was a noble desire, but they could still get to the weapons if attacked, they needed to truly bury them. We bury them with D.I.R.T.

 

Dependence on the Lord

Immaculate obedience

Repentance

Testifying boldly and often.

 

As missionaries we experience lots of uncomfortable situations that can make us fearful. When we come to understand that Fear is the antithesis of Faith, we can set ourselves on a path to rely on the Lord. May we all be able to make mighty mounds of dirt is my hope for my district and all those I come in contact with! The dirt or dust of the earth is the basis of all creation, let it be the basis of our lives! I love you all so much thank you for the support you all end! Let's go get dirty!!!!!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Baptisms and Staying in the City

Sorry I didn't get an email out yesterday. My companion and I were helping the office missionaries move some sisters. We have practically become office elders, and the office couple said they would be talking to President Walkenhorst to see if we could become permanent. I'm not sure how I feel about this, I love to help and serve but it will be taking away from our proselyting time. My comp. is very excited, he would rather be in at a desk doing inventory, then moving missionaries than teaching. Maybe I can convince 'em to make us office elders after I leave, which I don't want to do! I love this area! We'll see. I'm glad Utah was an exciting memorable experience! Oh so her name is Melissa? That's more than Sean would tell me! But I probably know some things y'all don't know ;) Us brothas got to stick together! Have you heard from them while they are in the Holy Lands? I'm so jealous! Well transfers are this week, and Elder McGlothlin and I are staying put. My trainer goes home Wednesday. I'm going to miss that man! He has definitely become one of my best friends! He will be attending BYU-I. President Walkenhorst sent us this email to all missionaries- "There have been several requests to Skype for Mother's Day. We will allow it as a test. I do have concerns about it being a burden and a problem for members to accommodate. You may Skype, but make sure that you do not create problems for members." So, what time will you be wanting me to Skype? the member we will be going over to, has apple face-time as well. Let me know your account info or whatever is needed to call you, the member's name is Aaron Gates. I don't know if that helps. I don't remember how Skype works. Well, we were supposed to have a baptism next week, but the Zone Leaders from another zone might have screwed it up. Our investigator wont respond to us. Her daughters live in the Zone Leader's area and were preparing for baptism with their mother, our investigator. Well, I guess they had a lesson all together up in the Zone Leaders area, and now she wont respond. The ZL's told us that the lesson was "ripped to shreds... blown up... straight up ridiculousness... we think she's mad at us..." So I don't know if that's still going to go through. However, I will be up in Ponca City that day for a baptism. I will be baptizing a 14 year old girl I taught up there. We baptized her mother and now she has decided to be baptized! I did get the package, thank you very much! I was able to give a baptism interview last night! I really enjoy that opportunity! It's a little nerve racking being the one to determine the worthiness/preparedness of an individual for baptism, but it's one of the more sacred experiences I get to participate in on the mission! His name was Jim Clinton, his wife and kids are members, and he was Baptist! He has struggled with Chewing tobacco since he was 9 years old. He's 42. He has had some marvelous experiences with God. He says he has seen God and Jesus Christ. He was a truck driver and he had a real nasty accident. His little girl was in the truck and he said he saw them protect her and deflect any debris. He received major injuries and has had multiple neck surgeries, which have all failed. He can't look down or up, and very little to either side. His daughter came out with a bruise on her shoulder and that's it. He was baptized shortly after being released from the hospital, into the Baptist church. He was telling all of this to me last night. He had a marvelous experience and has all the worldly reason to stay in attendance at "his" church. But..... there's always a big but.... He knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet! He knows the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's kingdom on the earth! He is being baptized the 3rd of may. I am excited to attend that baptism. I love baptisms! Oh speaking of which, the sisters in our ward had a baptism on Saturday. I was asked to speak on baptism. Her name was Sue Wilson. Her husband has been a member since his early twenties. He was baptized in Salt Lake, while stationed there for the Air Force. He then went inactive because his bishop wouldn't shake his hand but did an elbow bump, because the bishop had a newborn and didn't want to bring any germs home. He was offended and vowed never to return. Well until he met the OKC 2nd missionaries at the library on a P-day. :) He now holds the Aaronic Priesthood and baptized his wife. He passed the Sacrament for the first time on Sunday, and next week will bless the Sacrament! They are like my Okie Grandparents! I love 'em so much! Well I love y'all! Thanks for everything you do! I'm looking forward to this next transfer! I have high hopes for it!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Happy Birthday Elder

My heart is very full this Easter week! I have seen so many miracles! I hope I have enough time to share them all! First off, I am so glad this holiday was so successful and heart-felt for y'all. Well, the miracles I witnessed this week started, this Friday. We have found a new investigator who is absolutely prepared! She has a very intriguing background. She was very anti, due to an abusive father who was a member. She hated Mormons! She was the type to chase us off the porch. and if we left anything at her door, she would track us down and return it. However, last Saturday her 19 year old son was baptized! This was the beginning of a great softening. She finally let us teach her what her son was being taught. We taught her everything! She knew it was true, but something was holding her back. (my suspicions; her father.) However, We had a secret weapon! President Walkenhorst!!!!!!!! We took him out teaching with us for the first time, and wam bam thank you mam! She is getting baptized May 10th! That man is 7 feet tall. HE is a giant in height and Spirit. It was amazing! After we had our lesson, I looked at Tamy and asked "Tamy, when are you getting baptized" She just had a giant smile and said "May 10th" It was beautiful! Hazzah! This Saturday, we had a Easter concert performed by the "Central Saints" an interfaith group created by...... LDS members. They performed the "Lamb of God" It was amazing! Tamy was there and just was balling! Well that's not special, because everyone was! It was amazing! My Easter Sabbath was great. We spent it with a family who has a daughter serving in Helsinki Finland, so we were taken care of pretty well. We went hunting for eggs, we had a fun Easter message prepared which E. McGlothlin's mother sent him. (the ol' Easter story y'all did). We even were able to make some great progress with their other less-active daughter. Over all it was great! We love going over to their home! She even cooks similar to you mom! It was fantastic! Well, my last and final miracle, has no relation to my area. It regards my past area, Ponca City. We went up for one of E. McGlothlin's inv. baptism. While we were there I was able to text an investigator I taught While there, and basically do those missionaries work for them, they are disobedient, and the ward dislikes them. Anywho, I committed her to read and pray that night for an answer, well she did and the next morning she texted the missionaries saying "I need to be baptized!" It was amazing! She wants me to come back up and baptize her! I'm so excited. Her name is Shelby, she is the daughter of Dana, who we baptized while I was there. Dana is the one in the picture I sent home then. Guess what else I found out, Freddy Lemmo's cousin enters the mission field this transfer. She is coming here. It's a small world. I love you all so very much! Thank you for all the birthday wishes! I am striving to live up to my heritage! I am proud to be An Elder Burnham! (jamon-quemado) I thank you for all you have done to shape and mold me into the un-relenting brat I am! It has helped a bunch in missionary work! I am striving to recognize God's hand more in my life, by writing a miracle I saw everyday. I challenge you to do the same! Forever Strong! In PMG I studied Ch. 3 and loved every piece of it! our message is beautiful and flawless! Onward to victory!

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

Mission Bunny?

Well our Palm Sunday was a little hectic. First off we had tornado watches all day and luckily none came. We did get hail, rain, and strong winds. Second, we drove all the way up to Ponca City (my last area) for a baptism. Elder McGlothlin taught him, I did as well, but on exchanges. It was about a 2 hour drive. The baptism went well, with the exception of the water being freezing. Poor guy. Then the weather really hit, and we got stuck up there for an extra hour and a half. Then we drove back down and my navigator(comp.) got us lost, so I had to work my way through downtown OKC and find a familiar path. We did, and luckily the family who we had dinner with, was super understanding and postponed dinner and their fast until we got there around 7! They are amazing! talk about making us feel bad, but so thankful! They told us they were fasting for missionary experiences, and that they felt they could fast longer for us. I love this ward! I heard Elder Tortellini was back. Jenni sent a postcard informing me. Hopefully he's not trunky. If he is kick him in the butt! Trunky elders are no bueno! Ok, come on we all know even if Sister Walker had the time allotted her/assigned her she would go over. :) She's just that great of a teacher! That's a cool object lesson. I might steal the idea of drawing the scenes, and use it during a dinner appointment or something. Easter is a big deal around here! We are certainly taking advantage of the holiday, to talk of Christ. Well Hey, my studies from PMG have directed me to Ch. 6 "Humility" I also have been pairing it with the talk by Pres. Benson "Beware of Pride" What have your studies consisted of? Speaking of PMG; look on page 107 and you'll find Bishop Eitlegeorge and pg. 159 to find Sis. Eitlegeorge. If that's how you spell it?

 

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham